Lubrication system for packing herbal matter

ABSTRACT

The present application includes a system for packing herbal matter into a hollow paper tube. The system is comprised of a set of compression members which together define a volume, an ejector opening aligned with the volume, a pusher, and a lubrication member in communication with the volume that disposes a lubricant selectively within the volume. The ejector is configured to hold the paper tube. The pusher is configured to translate the herbal matter through the volume toward the ejector opening and at least partially into the paper tube.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to an herbal matter packing system, and in particular to a device that lubricates the compression walls to facilitate packing of herbal matter into a paper tube.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Herbal cigarettes are an alternative to tobacco. However, herbal matter can create manufacturing problems that differ from tobacco. Because herbs may have different moisture content, surface structure and cut than tobacco, they may adhere to the walls of the packing device used to fill the cigarette paper tube. This results in jamming of the packing machine. In addition, the herbal matter may deposit residue onto the walls which may accumulates over time.

It is desired that a system be developed that reduces adhesion of the herbs to the walls of the packing machine. It would also be desirable to decrease residue formation on the walls. Both of these advantages will enhance operation of the packing machine by reducing the probability of the machine jamming.

A lubrication system for packing herbal matter is necessary. Although great strides have been made, considerable shortcomings remain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for packing herbal matter according to a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of an exemplary implementation of the system for packing herbal matter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of an alternative implementation of the system for packing herbal matter of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a cross section of an alternative implementation of the system for packing herbal matter of FIG. 1.

While the system of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

The system in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with existing methods and devices of masking odors and providing desirable scents into the air. Specifically, the system of the present application is configured to operate in particular within a vehicle and provide a passenger the capability of selectively introducing a designated scent into the air. The scent is introduced into the vent system of the vehicle and distributed via the forced air flow via the blower motor. The system is configured to grant the user the ability to adjust the timing of dispersion, potency of dispersion, and the particular scent dispersed in embodiments where multiple storage units are available. Additionally, the control unit is configured to be an interface for the user to regulate the system and can monitor the air quality in the environment and automatically regulate dispersion of the scent. These and other unique features of the system are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the assembly are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.

The system of the present application includes a storage unit containing a volume of scented matter, a release mechanism in communication with the storage unit, and a control unit in communication with the release mechanism and configured to regulate the dispersion of scented matter from the storage unit in accordance with the desires of a user. The control unit is an interface for the passenger to regulate scent dispersion. A sensor is also optionally included to monitor air quality from the ambient air. These and other unique features of the system and method are described herein below.

Referring now to the figures wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, diagrams of systems for packing herbal matter according to a preferred embodiment of the present application is illustrated. Herbal matter refers to any plant based matter. System 101 is comprised of a control device 103, a set of compression members 105 and 107, a volume 109, an ejector opening 111, a pusher 113, and a lubrication member 115. The control device 103 may be electrical or mechanical, or a combination, that controls the sequence and time of actions of the system elements. Control device 103 is coupled to lubrication member 115, set of compression members 105 and 107 and pusher 113. The set of compression members 105 and 107, each with a compression wall 117 and 119 that together define the volume 109. At least one compression member 105 articulates relative to the other compression member 107 to compress herbal matter 121. Ejector opening 111 is aligned with volume 109 and paper tube 123. Pusher 113 translates compressed herbal matter 121 through volume 109 toward the ejector opening 111 and at least partially into paper tube 123. Lubrication member 115 is in communication with volume 109 wherein lubrication member 115 disposes a lubricant 125 selectively within volume 109, which reduces adhesion of the herbal matter 121 to compression walls 117 and 119 and decreases residue formation on compression walls 117 and 119.

Operation of system 101 generally follows these steps. Compression member 105 is articulated relative to compression member 107 to accept herbal matter 121. Herbal matter 121 is placed into volume 109. Compression member 105 articulates relative to compression member 107, compressing herbal matter 121 between compression walls 117 and 119. The air in volume 109 is not compressed but is allowed to escape. Paper tube 123 is held to ejector opening 111, which aligns paper tube 123 with volume 109. Pusher 113 translates toward the ejector opening 111, translating the herbal matter 121 ahead of it, through ejector opening 111 and at least partially into paper tube 123. Once herbal matter 121 is ejected into paper tube 123, pusher 113 translates away from ejector opening 111. Lubricant 125 is disposed selectively within volume 109 using lubrication member 115.

If system 101 is un-lubricated, then lubrication may be accomplished by cycling system 101 through these steps without the step of placing herbal matter 121 into volume 109. Examples of lubricant 125 include herb, citrus and hemp oil to name a few. Other lubricants are contemplated.

Referring in particular to FIG. 2 in the drawings, a cross section of an exemplary implementation of System 101 is illustrated. System 151 is shown. It is understood that system 151 may be scaled to any size sufficient to operate. For example, system 151 may be sized to fit on a desktop for personal use or sized for operation on a large scale in a warehouse floor for mass production of products. System 151 is representative for a desktop design or personal use. The elements within system 101 or 151 are equally applicable to any sized or scaled machinery.

Lubrication member 115 includes at least one lubricant injector 135 disposed in at least one compression member 107. Lubricant injector 135 is disposed in compression member 107 such that the lubricant 125 enters volume 109, defined by compression walls 117 and 119. An example of lubricant injector 135 is a spray nozzle such as a plain-orifice nozzle, a shaped orifice nozzle or an impingement nozzle. Other lubricant injectors are contemplated. More than one lubricant injector 135 may be required to cover the compression wall 117 and 119 with lubricant 125 depending on how large volume 109 is.

Lubrication member 115 includes a lubricant supply 131 and a valve 133. Lubricant supply 131 is coupled to valve 133 and valve 133 is coupled to lubricant injector 135. Examples of lubricant supply 131 are a pressurized cartridge or a container of lubricant 125 with a pump to supply the lubricant 125 to valve 133 at the required pressure for lubricant injector 135. Valve 133 is in communication with control device 103.

Lubrication of this exemplary implementation occurs after herbal matter 121 is packed into paper tube 123. Lubricant injector 135 may inject lubricant 125 after pusher 113 has translated fully toward ejector 111 opening. Alternatively, lubricant injector 135 may inject lubricant 125 after the pusher 113 has translated fully away from ejector opening 111. Lubricant injection is usually most effective while compression members 105 and 107 are still together. To facilitate this, lubricant injector 135 injects lubricant 125 after the pusher 113 has translated fully away from the ejector opening 111 and before articulating at least one compression member 105 away from another compression member 107.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3, System 151 is illustrated in this perspective view of the exemplary implementation of System 101 of FIG. 1. Paper tube 123 slips over ejector opening 111. A catch 153 presses paper tube 123 against ejector opening 111 to keep the paper tube 123 in place while being packed. Catch 153 and various controls 155 and 157 are coupled to control device 103, facilitating operation of machine 151.

Referring now to FIG. 4, System 161 is an alternative implementation of the system for packing herbal matter of FIG. 1. This embodiment is similar in form and function to that of system 151 of FIG. 2, except for the differences as noted. Lubrication member 115 includes at least one lubricant injector 135 disposed in pusher 113. Lubricant injector 135 is configured to dispose lubricant 125 into volume 109 after herbal matter 121 has been ejected. An example of lubricant injector 135 is a spray nozzle such as a plain-orifice nozzle, a shaped orifice nozzle or an impingement nozzle. Other lubricant injectors are contemplated. More than one lubricant injector 135 may be required to cover compression walls 117 and 119 with lubricant 125 depending on how large volume 109 is.

Lubrication member 115 also includes a lubricant supply 131 and a valve 133. Lubricant supply 131 is coupled to valve 133 and valve 133 is coupled to lubricant injector 135. Examples of lubricant supply 131 are a pressurized cartridge or a container of lubricant 125 with a pump to supply the lubricant 125 to valve 133 at the required pressure for lubricant injector 135. Valve 133 is in communication with control device 103.

Disposing lubricant 125 within volume 109 using lubrication member 115 includes injecting lubricant 125 with lubricant injector 135 located within pusher 113. Injection of lubricant 125 may occur as pusher 113 translates away from the ejection opening. The injection of lubricant 125 may also occur after pusher 113 has translated fully away from the ejection opening. Lubricant injection is usually most effective while compression members 105 and 107 are still together. To facilitate this, lubricant injector 135 injects lubricant 125 after the pusher 113 has translated fully away from the ejector opening 111 and before articulating at least one compression member 105 away from another compression member 107.

Referring now to FIG. 5, System 171 is an alternative implementation of the system for packing herbal matter of FIG. 1. This embodiment is similar in form and function to that of system 151 of FIG. 2, except for the differences as noted. Lubrication member 115 includes lubricant applicator 237 located around a circumference of pusher 113. Lubricant applicator 237 is in contact with the compression walls 117 and 119. Lubricant applicator 237 is configured to dispose lubricant 125 onto the compression walls 117 and 119 as pusher 113 translates through volume 109. Lubricant applicator 237 is made of a material which absorbs lubricant 125 and releases lubricant 125 as it wipes across the compression walls 117 and 119. Lubricant applicator 237 may dispose lubricant 125 onto the compression walls 117 and 119 as the pusher 113 translates toward ejector opening 111. Lubricant applicator 237 may dispose lubricant 125 onto compression walls 117 and 119 as pusher 113 translates away from ejector opening 111.

Lubrication member 115 also includes a lubricant supply 231, a valve 233, and an application channel 235. Lubricant supply 231 is coupled to valve 233. Valve 233 is coupled to application channel 235. After pusher 113 has translated fully away from ejector opening 111, applicator 237 is coupled to application channel 235 to absorb lubricant 125. Valve 233 is in communication with control device 103. While lubricant supply 231 may be pressurized, is may also be under low pressure and permitting valve 233 to be open for a longer time.

The step of disposing the lubricant 125 within volume 109 using lubrication member 115 includes wiping compression walls 117 and 119 with a lubricant applicator 237 containing lubricant 125, the lubricant applicator 237 being coupled to the pusher 113. Wiping of the compression walls 117 and 119 may occur as the pusher 113 is translating toward the ejection opening 111. Wiping of the compression walls 117 and 119 may occur as the pusher 113 is translating away from the ejection opening 111.

The current application has many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1) reduced adhesion of herbal matter to the packing machine walls; (2) the system decreases the residue formation on the walls; and (3) reduces the incidence of packing machine jamming.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

1. An system for packing herbal matter into a hollow paper tube, comprising: a set of compression members each with a compression wall that together defines a volume, wherein at least one compression member articulates relative to the other so as to compress the herbal matter; an ejector opening aligned with the volume, the ejector opening configured to hold the paper tube; a pusher configured to translate the herbal matter through the volume toward the ejector opening and at least partially into the paper tube; and a lubrication member in communication with the volume wherein the lubrication member disposes a lubricant selectively within the volume.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lubrication member includes at least one lubricant injector disposed in at least one compression member, the lubricant injector is configured to inject the lubricant within the volume after the herbal matter has been ejected.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the lubricant injector injects the lubricant within the volume after the pusher has translated fully toward the ejector opening.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the lubricant injector injects the lubricant within the volume after the pusher has translated fully away from the ejector opening.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the lubricant injector injects the lubricant within the volume before the set of compression members articulate away from each other.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the lubrication member includes at least one lubricant injector disposed in the pusher, the lubricant injector configured to inject the lubricant within the volume after the herbal matter has been ejected.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the lubrication member injects the lubricant within the volume as the pusher translates away from the ejector opening.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the lubrication member injects the lubricant within the volume after the pusher has translated fully away from the ejector opening.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the lubrication member injects the lubricant within the volume before the compression members articulate away from each other.
 10. The system of claim 1, in which the lubrication member includes a lubricant applicator located around a circumference of the pusher, the lubricant applicator in contact with the compression walls, and the lubricant applicator configured to dispose lubricant onto the compression walls as the pusher translates through the volume.
 11. The system of claim 10, in which the lubricant applicator is configured to dispose the lubricant onto the compression wall as the pusher translates toward the ejector opening.
 12. The system of claim 10, in which the lubricant applicator is configured to dispose the lubricant onto the compression wall as the pusher translates away from the ejector opening.
 13. A method of packing herbal matter into a hollow paper tube, comprising: placing the herbal matter into a volume; articulating at least one compression member relative to another compression member to compress the herbal matter; translating the herbal matter through an ejection opening using a pusher; translating the pusher away from the ejection opening; disposing a lubricant selectively within the volume using a lubrication member.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of disposing the lubricant within the volume using the lubrication member includes: injecting the lubricant into the volume with a lubricant injector located within at least one compression member.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of injecting the lubricant occurs after the pusher has translated toward the ejector opening.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of injecting the lubricant occurs after the pusher has translated away from the ejector opening.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of injecting the lubricant occurs before articulating at least one compression member away from another compression member.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of disposing the lubricant within the volume using the lubrication member includes: injecting the lubricant with a lubricant injector located within the pusher.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of injecting the lubricant occurs as the pusher translates away from the ejection opening.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of injecting the lubricant occurs after the pusher has translated away from the ejection opening.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of injecting the lubricant occurs before articulating at least one compression member away from another articulation member.
 22. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of disposing the lubricant within the volume using the lubrication member includes: wiping the compression walls with a lubricant applicator containing the lubricant, the lubricant applicator being coupled to the pusher as the pusher translates through the volume.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of wiping the compression walls occurs as the pusher is translating toward the ejection opening.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of wiping the compression walls occurs as the pusher is translating away from the ejection opening. 